Port of Seattle expands its efforts to combat human trafficking

In cooperation with local advocates and
recognizing January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month,
the Port of Seattle has announced recently a new comprehensive port-wide
strategy to combat human trafficking through its facilities, including
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and throughout the region.

The Port Commission officially passed a
resolution on the issue in their meeting, calling for a combination of
training, resources, policies and partnerships to address this important issue.

At a press conference last week, the
Port joined with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) and King
County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles to highlight the importance of the
issue for the region.

Every year, millions of men, women, and
children are trafficked in countries around the world, including the United
States. It is estimated that human trafficking generates billions of dollars of
profit per year – second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form
of transnational crime. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves
the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial
sex act.

“Human
trafficking is not just a global issue, it’s a local issue,” said Courtney
Gregoire, Port of Seattle Commission President. “The Port has been engaged in
this topic for years but now is the perfect opportunity to increase our
regional leadership on this topic. As a major employer, an operator of an
airport and maritime facilities, and a partner, we can do more to reduce
demand, assist victims and reaise public awareness.”

“As an organization that equips
employers to prevent human trafficking, we are so pleased to be working with
the Port of Seattle to develop and implement their anti-trafficking strategy,”
said Dr. Mar Brettmann, Executive Director of BEST. “I have been incredibly
impressed with the thoughtfulness and dedication that the Port has shown in
developing their strategy, which has the potential to be hugely impactful at
reducing both trafficking supply and demand in the Puget Sound region.”

“It is my hope that other ports and
regions will take note of the collaboration between the Port of Seattle and
advocates,” said Kyra Doubek, CSEC Behavioral Health Specialist for KYFS,
and survivor of domestic sex trafficking. “Noteworthy is their commitment
to develop policies around any involvement in human trafficking
activities. Only through partnership and commitment can we create lasting
change. As an employer committed to growing to 300,000 employees, the Port is
uniquely positioned to create a culture and set an example in our state and
region for how to conduct business and contribute to social equity and safety.
The Port is sending a clear message to traffickers and sex buyers: not in our
state, not in our facilities.”

“Human trafficking is an extreme
violation of human rights that threatens the health and welfare of residents,
families, and our communities,” said King County Councilmember Jeanne
Kohl-Welles. “I helped lead the fight against human trafficking as a State
Senator in Olympia for 13 years, and am continuing work on this issue in my
capacity as a Councilmember by addressing the issue of labor trafficking and
economic exploitation specifically. The Port’s engagement on this issue will be
invaluable as we move forward to stop this crime against our residents and
visitors.”

“As a leader in the fight against human
trafficking, Delta is deeply passionate about this issue and is proud to stand
with the Port of Seattle as they expand their leadership and resources,” said
Tony Gonchar, Delta’s Vice President – Seattle. “Together with the Port and our
airline partners, we will continue to be relentless in fighting for those who
can’t fight for themselves.”

The Port’s strategy will focus on four areas:
ensuring all employees have access to training and education; utilizing Port
facilities and communications channels to raise public awareness; collaborating
with nonprofits, government agencies and private sector partners to maximize
impact; and ensuring Port policies and procedures are up to date to report
suspicion of human trafficking.